Oil sees perfect storm brewing for rally

In China, a report from the General Administration of Customs in Beijing showed that exports fell 3.1% in June from a year earlier. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey had called for a 3.7% gain. Inventories at U.S. wholesalers unexpectedly declined in May, pointing to a pick-up in sales.

Equities: The SEP13 E-mini S&P 500 (CME:ESU13) is down slightly today, trading down 1.75 points to 1644. The market awaits two key pieces of data today, the FOMC minutes and a Bernanke speech. We would not be surprised to see this market pull back after the minutes, which will likely echo the sentiment of Bernanke’s June 19 Q&A, which pointed toward end-of-year stimulus tapering. We believe the 1650 level is a key level for this market and can serve as important resistance. The economic numbers have been very positive, which overall seems to be lending support to the market. We would not be surprised to see a short term pullback after the minutes are released, but perhaps might even rally after Bernanke talks, as he might emphasize the growing U.S. economy looking better and better.

Bonds: The SEP13 U.S. 30-year bonds (CBOT:ZBU13)are down 11 ticks today in front of a potentially bearish news day (for bonds) with the FOMC minutes and Bernanke speech. We do not believe the downtrend in bonds is over, but don’t expect a huge move down today as a lot of what could be presented today was likely presented last month. So if there is a big down move today in bonds, we look for buyers to be bargain hunting.

Currencies: The U.S. Dollar Index (NYBOT:DXU13)is interestingly pulling back this morning, trading down 43 ticks to 84.36. We believe this index will be supported by buying if it dips below 84, or even if it gets close to 84. We believe this could be the dip before another leg higher, possibly today upon digestion of Bernanke and the FOMC. The Euro and the Pound are retracing some recent losses, mainly due to USD strength. We believe in the Pound downtrend and would not be surprised to see the Pound head lower over the next several months.

Commodities: The real story today and this week is crude oil. AUG13 crude oil (NYMEX:CLQ13)has broken out from a key technical level of $100, and is now up more than $2 to $105.67. We have a new short-term target of $106.60. Really, with this ‘perfect storm’ of technicals, fundamentals, and global events aligning, we believe this rally could be far from over. We would not be surprised to see $110 hit, possibly $115. On a safe haven bid, plus likely more technical short-covering, we are seeing gold rally to $1,256, up $10 on the day. It is above our key pivot level of $1,230, and we would not be surprised to see a run toward $1,275 or perhaps $1,282, two key resistance levels.

About the Author

Anthony Lazzara, CEO of Newport Beach, Calif., commodities investment firm Lido Isle Advisors, spent 10 years as a trader and floor broker at the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Anthony has significant experience in the energy, fixed income, and equity futures markets. After being a long-time independent futures trader, Anthony saw a tremendous opportunity to educate investors on how to invest in professional traders. Anthony is now focused on his duty as CEO of Lido Isle Advisors.